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Book Launch events are an important part of a book’s journey into the world, and an exciting event for new authors. Larksong Writers Place offers a beautiful, accessible space for authors to host their celebration introducing their new work to the reading public. Larksong members and nonmembers can rent the main area of Larksong location at 1600 N. Cotner Blvd.
What Larksong offers:
Space:
First floor:
- Main room (approximately 46’ by 23’) is divided by an open staircase. Half the room is 14’ by 23’ with a brick fireplace flanked by glass-doored bookshelves; the other half is 12’ by 17’ with a handicapped accessible restroom. Sight lines and “sound” lines between the spaces are clear so the two halves serve as one large space.
- Sunroom, which connects to the main space via double French doors and window, is 12’ by 17’. Contains one conference table with 6 chairs and one multi-use table and additional chairs
- The rooms contain tables chairs, and booths, easily seating 24 people in the main room with an additional 8 to 10 in the sunroom. By switching from “classroom seating” to a more open “party” set up the rooms will hold more. Indoor first floor capacity 50 people.
Covered Patio:
- This unfurnished 21’ by 33’ space is partially and beautifully screened on two sides, protecting it from the sights and sounds of the street. Access is through the main room (with step) or through the gate outside (no steps).
Parking:
- Off street Parking lot – 15-plus spaces
Equipment:
- Microphone with stand and amplifier
- Big screen TV with Apple TV access
- Coffee makers – 30 cup and 12 cup
- Electric hot water kettle
- Folding tables (8’ by 3’, 6’ by 3’)
- Ice chest on rolling stand
- Tables and chairs listed in room description
Publicity:
- Post book launch information on Larksong's website under "Events"
- Add to Larksong's social media pages
- Announce publication of book in newsletter mailed to 500+ recipients
- Include on Larksong's Calendar of Events
Author responsibilities:
Scheduling:
- Check the schedule on Larksong’s website for open dates.
- Contact admin@larksongwritersplace.org to schedule event.
- Reserve 2-hour time slot for event.
- Return signed Memorandum of Understanding for use of space one month before the event.
- Contacting Francie and Finch Bookseller (if desired to have bookseller on site).
Day of event:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to set up.
- Have a great book launch!
- Clean up after event (as described in Memorandum of Understanding).
Suggestions for successful book launch:
- Publicize! Let your friends and family know about it! Send personal e-mails, post on social media, make phone calls, write texts - let the world know you have a book out!
- Consider having a musician or two join you. It’s a celebration!
- Consider having another author read with you – expands audience.
- Enlist a photographer – no pictures, it didn’t happen!
- Enlist volunteers to help greet people, serve food, help with clean up.
- Keep food and drink simple. Contact caterer of your choice at least one month in advance.
- Be prepared to sell books. Have someone in charge of the sales so you can just sign the books; bring cash for change; have alternate ways to accept payment (Square, Venmo, PayPal apps).
- Include on invitation how people can pay so if they don’t use apps, they know to bring cash.
Fees:
Member pricing for 2-hour event:
- Basic Level - $125
- Working Writer Level - $100
- Patron Level (Silver) - $75
- Patron Level (Gold) - $50
- Patron Level (Platinum) – One free per year
- Non-member - $150